Polish left coalition parties and PSL are negotiating a partner‑relationship bill, with a protocol of disagreements now public and talks remaining tentatively on track for a parliamentary vote this year.
Bill Status
The proposal drafted by Equality Minister Katarzyna Kotula has been on the table since the previous summer but has yet to secure approval within the governing coalition or reach a parliamentary hearing. Conservative hesitancy from the Polish People’s Party has stalled the bill’s progress.
Compromise Negotiations
In June, the Left submitted two related bills: one on registered partner relationships and another on introducing associated provisions, while the PSL presented its own draft on the status of a close person. Negotiations for a compromise framework have been ongoing since 2020, with the Left insisting on majority support for any eventual law.
Current Negotiations
Sources say final talks could commence this week, with a spokesperson from Włodzimierz Czarzasty’s faction noting a “light in the tunnel” and expressing optimism of an agreement in the coming days. The Deputy Marshal of the Sejm has signalled that a law regulating informal partnerships could be passed within the year.
Naming Conflicts
A key point of contention is the terminology used in the legislation. PSL officials oppose the term “partner relationship,” fearing it may not be accepted by President Karol Nawrocki, while the term “close person” is also problematic because it already exists in Polish law to cover spouses, parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren, etc. A new denomination is deemed necessary.
Rights, Registration, and Child Care
Consensus exists on many partner rights such as inheritance, inheriting a lease after a partner’s death, receiving a family pension, burial rights, and joint tax settlement. However, the PSL rejects provisions related to child‑care decisions, notably a partner who is not a parent gaining permission to involve the child in school excursions or hospital visits. The left proposes registering relationships via the state civil registry, but the PSL may accept a notarised agreement model instead.
Presidential Stance
If the law is adopted this year, President Nawrocki’s reaction remains uncertain. In a recent interview, he stated that he would not support concepts resembling a quasi‑marriage or adoption by same‑sex couples, but indicated willingness to discuss the status-of-close-person component.
